Readers of this blog already know that more Americans are carrying flasks around than they are embarrassing themselves at expensive bars. You may have also noticed this little thingamajig called Groupon, LivingSocial, or any of its less famous stepsisters that never make you want to leave the house unless it’s for 50% off the nearest restaurant. Combine these two social phenomena and sooner or later you have a trend piece about more people cooking in than dining out. Let’s break down the SHOCKING reasons why. Continue reading →

For anybody hoping to enjoy their weekend, the NYT instead ran some sobering statistics about what the jobless are facing: formerly middle class, the “new poor” are now relying on food stamps with years of unemployment behind them and no future prospects in sight.

The reasons for this are after the jump (hint: now is a good time to reach for that second beer). Continue reading →

Is this why people are so hung up about this government support thing?

In today’s editorial, the Times argues that extending unemployment benefits without delay “is the single most effective way to boost consumption — which, in turn, preserves jobs — because it creates spending that would otherwise not occur.”

But according to Senate Democrats, Republicans have sought to slow down an extension of unemployment benefits for political purposes.

The senators expressed anger that amendments on issues such as making E-Verify permanent or on depriving funds to the community organizing group ACORN had held up a vote on the package, which is expected to make its way to the Senate floor this week.

“This goes to a broader question, which is the continual objection and slow-walking of critical legislation through the Senate,” Stabenow said. “This has been a tactic to stop the Senate from getting the people’s business done.”

Clearly, the Dems need to chill. Both of those random amendments sound totally relevant given the economic crisis. I mean, it’s not like 7,000 people run out of unemployment benefits every day or that nearly 1.5 million Americans are expected to exhaust their benefits by the end of the year.